Full Breakdown
Rangers Activate Jordan Montgomery Ahead of Orioles Series
8/8/2026, 10:52:08 AM
Core Event
Texas Rangers activated left-hander Jordan Montgomery from the 60-day injured list on Friday, designating pitcher Nolan Kingham for assignment. Montgomery, who missed all of 2025 and the first part of 2026 after Tommy John surgery, is expected to join the bullpen as the Rangers prepare for the opening game of their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles.
Background & Context
The activation comes as the Rangers (57-58) sit one game ahead of the Orioles (56-59) in the chase for the third wild-card spot. The series opens with a Friday night game at Globe Life Field, scheduled for an 8:15 p.m. ET start and streamed on Apple TV+ (free trial). The Rangers have set their rotation for the series: Nathan Eovaldi (Friday), Jacob de Grom (Saturday) and Kumar Rocker (Sunday).
Key Pitching Matchup
Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (10-9, 4.31 ERA) will start for Texas; he is 5-2 in eight home starts this season. Baltimore will counter with right-hander Shane Baz (4-10, 3.86 ERA), who has allowed only one earned run in his last three starts.
Montgomery’s Recent Performance
In his minor-league rehab, Montgomery posted a 3.75 ERA over 24 innings, striking out 21 and issuing three walks. His velocity was about 3 mph lower than his 2023 level, but he expects it to rise on a major-league mound.
Official Statements & Responses
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Montgomery could be used as a reliever or, if the rotation permits, as a starter later in the week. The earliest start could be Saturday, with a Monday start against the Los Angeles Angels also possible if the rotation is adjusted. Schumaker mentioned a six-man rotation to accommodate Montgomery and left-hander Cody Bradford while giving extra rest to Eovaldi and de Grom.
Data & Statistics
- Rangers record: 57-58; Orioles record: 56-59.
- Wild-card gap: one game.
- Eovaldi’s home-start record: 5-2.
- Baz’s recent streak: three straight starts with one earned run allowed.
- Montgomery’s 2024 season with Arizona: 6.23 ERA over 117 innings (21 starts, 4 relief appearances).
Impact on Wild-Card Race
A win for Baltimore would keep the teams within one game, maintaining pressure on Minnesota and Cleveland, each a half-game ahead of the Orioles. A Rangers sweep would extend their lead to two games, strengthening their third wild-card position.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN and Lonestarball report the Rangers plan to use Montgomery out of the bullpen initially, while Sports Illustrated outlines scenarios where he could start as early as Saturday or Monday, or be part of a temporary six-man rotation. No definitive roster move confirming a starting assignment has been announced.
What’s Next
The first game of the series will commence at 8:15 p.m. ET on Friday, streamed via Apple TV+. The Rangers will evaluate Montgomery’s usage after the opening game and may adjust the rotation for the remainder of the series and the upcoming road trip.
